**It was assumed that the endorsement would give Ernst some momentum in the competitive, multi-way race for the [[Republican Party|Republican]] nomination.<ref name="reynolds"/>

**It was assumed that the endorsement would give Ernst some momentum in the competitive, multi-way race for the [[Republican Party|Republican]] nomination.<ref name="reynolds"/>

**“Joni Ernst represents the best of the Republican Party; she represents the best of Iowa,” Reynolds wrote in a guest opinion column in the ''Des Moines Register''. “Joni does more than just talk about the policies and values she holds dear. She fights for them.”<ref name="reynolds"/>

**“Joni Ernst represents the best of the Republican Party; she represents the best of Iowa,” Reynolds wrote in a guest opinion column in the ''Des Moines Register''. “Joni does more than just talk about the policies and values she holds dear. She fights for them.”<ref name="reynolds"/>

+

+

*She has also been endorsed by 23 current and former state legislators.<ref>[http://www.joniforiowa.com/endorsements/ "Joni Ernst","Endorsements", accessed August 7, 2014]</ref>

Biography

Born and raised in Montgomery County, Iowa, she was valedictorian of her class at Stanton High School.[5] Ernst earned her B.S. from Iowa State University and her M.P.A. from Columbus College. Her professional experience includes working as Montgomery County Auditor. She has served in the U.S. Army Reserves and the Iowa National Guard for 21 years, earning the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Iowa National Guard[6] and serving as Operations Branch Chief in Logistics for the Joint Forces Headquarters in Johnson, Iowa.

She spent 14 months mobilized and overseas in Kuwait from 2003-2004 as a company commander at the start of Operation Iraqi Freedom.[7] Ernst currently commands the largest battalion in the Iowa Army National Guard.[8][9]

Committee assignments

2013-2014

At the beginning of the 2013 legislative session, Ernst served on the following committees:

Campaign themes

2011

Political Positions

In 2007, Ernst took part in a successful lawsuit challenging the legality of the state's bilingual voter registration forms, which were in violation of Iowa's state law.[10][11]

During the 2013 legislative session, Ernst worked on legislation which reduced property taxes in Iowa.[12] She has also received an "A" rating from the National Rifle Association for her support of gun-rights issues.[13]

In a May 2014 interview with The Des Moines Register, Ernst expressed her support for a constitutional amendment requiring a balanced federal budget, a reduction in entitlements and discretionary spending, replacing the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act with "free market alternatives", a "fairer, flatter, and simpler" tax code and for allowing law-abiding citizens to "freely carry" weapons, and expressed her opposition to cap-and-trade and federal involvement in education.[14]

In a Republican primary debate in May 2014, Ernst said she would have voted against the 2014 U.S. Farm Bill, stated her view that the Clean Water Act is damaging for business, expressed her support for private Social Security accounts for young workers, and said that she opposed a federal minimum wage and that the minimum wage should be set at the state level. Ernst said she believes same-sex marriage is "a state issue."[15]

Candidate Forum

On December 14, 2010, Ernst and Ruth Smith (D) took part in an open forum sponsored by the Creston News Advertiser and KSIB.[16]

Endorsements

In a Facebook post, Palin wrote: "If Nebraska’s Deb Fischer can see through the bull in Washington, then Iowa’s Joni Ernst can help her cut through the pork. Growing up on a hog farm in Southwest Iowa, Joni has taken her 'pork cutting' skills to the Iowa State Senate where she has been a champion for life, small government, and lower taxes – voting for the largest tax cut in Iowa history. In Washington, she has pledged to defund Obamacare, limit the size of government, and protect life. As a concealed weapon license holder, she will fight to defend our Second Amendment rights – the NRA has given her an A rating."[18]

Joni Ernst's March 2014 ad, "Squeal."

Mitt Romney endorsed Ernst in an email sent to a substantial number of his backers in Iowa on March 5, 2014.[19] In the email he wrote, ."..Now, more than ever, we need someone who will demand fiscal responsibility in Washington and will put up a strong fight against Obamacare. Mother, soldier and proven conservative, Joni Ernst, is ready to do just that. Join our efforts by making a contribution to Joni’s campaign today. Any and every contribution will make a difference."[19]

It was assumed that the endorsement would give Ernst some momentum in the competitive, multi-way race for the Republican nomination.[21]

“Joni Ernst represents the best of the Republican Party; she represents the best of Iowa,” Reynolds wrote in a guest opinion column in the Des Moines Register. “Joni does more than just talk about the policies and values she holds dear. She fights for them.”[21]

She has also been endorsed by 23 current and former state legislators.[22]

Media

Ernst released a 30-second ad on March 24, 2014, "Squeal." The ad began with Ernst saying, "I can castrate pigs so I am the perfect conservative for Iowa to send to the Senate."[23][24] She also said in the ad, "I grew up castrating hogs on an Iowa farm. So when I get to Washington, I’ll know how to cut pork. Washington’s full of big spenders. Let’s make ’em squeal.”[24]

2012

Ernst ran for re-election to the Iowa State Senate in 2012. Due to redistricting, Ernst ran in District 12. Ernst ran unopposed in the Republican primary on June 5, 2012. No candidates filed to run in the Democratic primary. The general election took place on November 6, 2012.[25][26]

2011

Ernst defeated Ruth Smith (D) in the January 4, 2011 special election to Iowa State Senate District 48.[27] With 62 of 62 precincts reporting, Ernst has won with 67.4 percent of the vote.[28][29]

Campaign donors

Comprehensive donor information for Ernst is available dating back to 2011. Based on available campaign finance records, Ernst raised a total of $128,208 during that time period. This information was last updated on September 19, 2013.[30]

Ernst raised $252,000 in her first fundraising quarter, according to reports released October 10, 2013.[37]

In a statement, Ernst said: ”I am incredibly thankful to those who have been so generous with their support over the last several weeks. Each and every contribution, no matter the amount, helps my campaign to continue to grow in momentum. I am excited to continue traveling the state and meeting with voters to share my vision of taking our shared Iowa values to Washington, D.C.”[37]

2012

Ernst won re-election to the Iowa State Senate in 2012. During that election cycle, Ernst raised a total of $55,847.

Scorecards

Legislative scorecards are used to evaluate elected public officials based on voting record. Some scorecards are created by political advocacy groups with a focus on specific issues, while others are developed by newspapers and are broad in scope. Scorecards are meant to be used as a tool for voters to have a quick picture of whether their views align with a particular legislator's record.

Because scorecards can be specific to particular issues or general to a state’s legislative term, for example, each report should be considered on its own merits. Each entity that publishes these reports uses different methodologies and definitions for the terms used.